July 27 day 89 camped in the city of Mount Shasta zero miles today.
A bit too busy for a zero day but what the hell. Spent the morning trying to hitch to Shasta. I eventually get a ride in a taxi of sorts for a “donation” of $7. Had a fantastic breakfast of eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, ham, and pancakes at the Black Bear Diner. The rest of the day was great. I met Stormy at the laundromat and found that thru hikers could camp behind the sports store. There were a few PCT folks already there. Had a nice evening which included dinner at the Black Bear.
July 28 day 90 camped mile 1519.3 hiked 12.8 miles today.
It was Sunday so all the stores opened late. Went to the local supermarket for some supplies and a roasted chicken and kefir for breakfast. After eating and packing up I went to the CoOp for some dried fruit and more kefir. The hitch to the trail ends up pretty easy as a local picks me up. As I am hiking thru Castle Crags SP I realize that I still have coins in my pocket so I decide to create a little treasure trove for some kid. I find a little knot hole in a log to put the coins in and find a golden dollar piece almost completely hidden in the same spot. I pick it up and leave my coins. The next day I will find yet another dollar coin in another great hiding spot. Strange.
July 29 day 91 camped mile 1546 hiked 26.7 miles today.
I am dragging a bit today as my foot is still hurting me.
July 30 day 92 camped mile 1570.3 hiked 24.3 miles today.
Another day struggling to make the miles.
July 31 day 93 camped mile 1592.6 hiked 22.3 miles today.
It was another sluggish day for me. The arch of my right foot has been bothering me since before Shasta. The zero day there was not enough of a rest apparently. The otherwise lovely country that the trail goes through is marred by free range cattle. They ruin the springs and meadows. As there are no fences they are also in wilderness areas. This is ridiculous.
August 1 day 94 stayed mile 1606.4 at the Hikers Hut in Etna hiked 15.8 miles today.
Hiked thru some of the nicest country that I have seen in a while. The trail follows a rugged ridge line with sweeping though smokey views all around. There is another new fire developing off to the West. Lots of smoke in the valleys. Get to Etna Summit and find a forest service truck stopping all traffic heading west towards the fire. Eventually get a ride into lovely Etna. Head over to Bob’s Ranch House restaurant for the first of many delicious meals. Back at the Hikers Hut we watch The 5th Element. This will be watched at least 5 times while I am here. I tell the story of my finding two dollar coins and get my new trail name Magic Mike.
August 2 day 95 camped Hiker Hut Etna zero miles today.
A great lazy day filled with eating and hanging out with fellow thru hikers.
August 3 day 96 camped at the Hiker Hut Etna zero miles today.
Another great day of eating and hanging out.
August 4 day 97 camped mile 1621.7 hiked 15.3 miles today.
I was up early for yet another breakfast at Bob’s. I get everything packed up and get a ride up to the trailhead with some trail angels. I start walking with Lalabi, Chosen One and Hooligan. It is super smokey on the trail. Many people skipped this section on account of the fire, but as the forest service hasn’t closed the trail we figure that we are good. I camp with Lakabi and Chosen One.
August 5 day 98 camped mile 1647.6 hiked 25.9 miles today.
There is less smoke as the day progresses. Lalabi and I meet Hooligan at 10:00. He is annoyed that we put in 10 miles before he even got going for the day. It is quite beautiful as the trail traverses high in the Marble Mountains. The smoke can’t hide the beauty. Overall it was a great day walking. End up camping with Lalabi and Chosen One.
August 6 day 99 camped mile 1662.1 Mid River RV Park in Seiad Valley hiked 14.5 miles today.
Got moving before Chosen One and Lalabi. It was a nice walk down the river valley. The last part into town was a road walk. Just before I start this I run into Hooligan and Chosen One and we all do the five mile road walk into Seiad Valley. The town consists of a restaurant/general store/post office and a run down RV park. The food was good and the locals very friendly.
August 7 day 100 camped mile 1682.8 Bear Dog Spring hiked 20.7 miles today.
After a big breakfast at the Seiad Cafe I started the 4500 foot ascent back into the mountains. The mountains are not quite as spectacular as the Marbles before Seiad Valley. Ended up camping with Lalabi.
August 8 day 101 camped mile 1710.1 hiked 23.3 miles today.
Was hiking off and on with Lalabi today. Made it to the CA/OR border. This is a huge milestone in the trip for me. At one time I thought that CA alone would be my PCT trip so that I could do that and Burning Man in the same year. I will go to BM this year and finish the PCT if the weather cooperates in the fall in Washington.
August 9 day 102 off trail at mile 1726.1 Calahan’s stayed in the Ashland Hostel hiked 16 miles today.
It was an easy day. Made it to Calahan’s in time for a free beer and a great burger. Met a few other thru hikers: Lt Dan, Chosen One etc. I hadn’t even put my thumb out for a ride when I got picked up by Legend yet another thru hiker. He dropped me off at the Ashland Hostel. I got cleaned up and went out to dinner with Lalabi who was also staying at the Hostel. Had my first non-burger town meal in a while and had Spanish grilled peppers and a falafel plate. The dinners were a bit lite for the both of us.